Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Reserve system. Bongoyo and Mbudya - the two most visited islands, and the only ones
with tourist facilities - offer attractive beaches backed by dense vegetation, snorkelling and
short walking trails, and make an enjoyable getaway from the city. Swimming is possible
at any time, unlike on mainland beaches, where swimming is tide-dependent.
Although both islands attract many visitors on weekends and holidays, there's usually
enough space, especially on Mbudya's long beach, to find a peaceful spot. The islands are
home to coconut crabs, and dolphins can sometimes be spotted in the surrounding waters.
There are several nearby dive sites, most off the islands' eastern sides. Fungu Yasini is a
large sandbank without vegetation, while Pangavini has only a tiny beach area. Much of its
perimeter is low coral outcrops making docking difficult, and it's seldom visited.
There's a US$10 per person fee to enter the reserve area, including visiting any of the
islands. It's usually included in the price of excursions, and collected before departure.
BONGOYO
Bongoyo, about 7km north of Dar es Salaam, is the most popular of the islands, with a
small stretch of beach offering snorkelling and swimming and some short walking trails.
Basic grilled fish meals and sodas are available, and snorkelling equipment can be rented.
A boat goes to and from the island several times daily (except during the long rains) from
Msasani Slipway
( 022-260 0893;
www.slipway.net
; per person return Tsh12,000, plus
US$10 marine reserve entry fee; minimum 4 people). The departure and ticketing point is
the Waterfront Beach Bar.
MBUDYA
Mbudya, north of Bongoyo, and directly offshore from Kunduchi Beach Hotel & Resort,
has several beaches (the best and longest one runs along the island's western edge), short
walking trails and snorkelling. Near the island's northern end is an old graveyard. Grilled
fish and chips are available, as are drinks, and snorkelling equipment can be rented. There
are thatched
bandas
for shade and
camping
(per person with own tent or under open-sided
banda Tsh20,000). The island is best reached from the beaches north of Dar es Salaam;
all the hotels organise excursions, and there's a daily
ferry
(Tsh8000 one-way plus US$10
marine reserve entry fee) from White Sands Hotel (
Click here
)
.
Northern Beaches
The coastline about 25km north of Dar es Salaam and east of New Bagamoyo Rd is lined
with resorts and is a popular weekend getaway. While lacking the exotic tropical island am-
bience of Zanzibar's coastline, the northern beaches make a relaxing break from the city
and - with a selection of swimming pools and two water parks - are a good destination
for families. They are close enough to Dar es Salaam that you can visit for the day (leave
